Thee challenges combine the best of both worlds: you get to learn something new, while also potentially improving the world.

Create your own opportunities

If you can't find an opening, perhaps you can create one by offering your skills to an existing project.

Did you know it takes up to 8,000 liters of water to make one pair of conventionally manufactured jeans? That's about 54 bathtubs full...

How does this relate to data science?

Well, maybe this is something you could help with. Either directly, by pitching in your skills to support a sustainable fashion company improve the efficiency and operation of its production line. Or indirectly, by offering to donate your time to an organization that will help improve water management in the affected area.

Not-for-profit organizations in particular stand to gain the most from voluntary participation, because many cannot afford to hire a full-time data scientist.

Get involved

Look for relevant communities on Meetup, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or any other social media platform. Participate in discussions, read up, watch videos, and start talking with people who care about the same stuff.

Wrap up

Data science can be used to change society in significant ways, and there are a surprising amount of opportunities to get involved—whether that's paid work or volunteering.

Volunteering isn't possible for everyone, but if you have the capacity for it, it's a great way to level-up your skills can help you land paid positions that allow you to contribute in even more significant ways.